The HBO series House of the Dragon bears many similarities to its predecessor, Game of Thrones. Many of the powerful Westerosi houses featured in the series are familiar. The first few episodes of its debut season have promised all of the swordplay, politicking, and betrayal that made Game of Thrones such a compelling program. The new show has already garnered an impressive audience, and fans hope that it could become an epic follow-up worthy of taking up the franchise's mantle.
However, there will be one key difference between the two shows. As its name suggests, House of the Dragon will feature many more fire-breathing flyers than the original series. In Game of Thrones, there were only three dragons, all of whom were controlled by Daenerys Targaryen. Two were killed in conflicts during the later seasons. Still, nevertheless, one dragon was more than enough to destroy King's Landing when Daenerys decided to unexpectedly burn the city, in the process slaughtering countless innocent civilians.
It was established early on that House Targaryen, in the time period explored during the series, commands 17 dragons, making them an almost invincible empire. Thus far, audiences have only seen a handful of airborne reptiles, though there are undoubtedly more to come. Here are a few dragons that have been featured in House of the Dragon.
Syrax, Princess Rhaenyra's Yellow She-Dragon 
Princess Rhaenyra's dragon is named Syrax, who was named after a Valyrian goddess by the Princess herself. Syrax is the first dragon seen in the series, appearing early in the premiere episode "The Heirs of the Dragon" when Rhaenyra takes her out on a joyride around the Kingdom, much to her father's chagrin.
Rhaneyra has already proven herself to be a talented Dragonrider. When her uncle Daemon takes a dragon egg for his new, illicit wife, claiming that it will be placed in the bed of their newborn child (though it is ultimately revealed that Daemon fabricated his wife's pregnancy), she flies Syrax into battle, ultimately forcing Daemon to return the stolen egg.
The Blood Wyrm Caraxes, Commanded By Daemon Targaryen 
Perhaps the most powerful dragon currently circling the Westerosi skies is Caraxes, who is ridden by Daemon Targaryen. Caraxes, whose blood-red scales inspired the moniker "Blood Wyrm," is the most battle-tested dragon in the Kingdom, as he was formerly utilized by Aemon Targaryen in his family's fight against Dorn.
Caraxes has already been an invaluable battle asset in House of the Dragon when he flew sans rider into the Stepstones to defend Daemon. In all likelihood, the Blood Wyrm will bring about a lot more bloodshed in episodes to come.
Laenor Valeryon's Silver-Scaled Seasmoke 
Audiences got their first glimpses of Seasmoke in the episode "Second of His Name." When Daemon charges into battle, seemingly attempting to take back the Stepstones single-handedly, he is saved at the last minutes when Laenor Velaryon's swoops in on dragonback, and Seasmoke sets scores of enemy archers ablaze, ultimately allowing Daemon to engage the villainous Crabfeeder in single combat.
As of yet, it's unclear where House Valeryon will side in any impending conflict. Laenor was recently married to Rhaenyra, which could strengthen the bond between House Valeryon and House Targaryen, but the death of his lover only moments before the union will unquestionably weaken their bond.
The Red Queen Meleys and the Queen Who Never Was 
Often considered one of the fastest dragons in the Game of Thrones universe, Meleys' nickname "Red Queen" is derived from her hue, which is similar to that of Caraxes, as well as the spiky crest on her head. Meleys is ridden by Rhaenys Targaryen, who many expected to eventually take the Iron Throne. However, she was ultimately denied the position in favor of King Viserys due to her gender.
Meleys was featured in the most recently released episode of House of the Dragon, "We Light the Way," when Rhaenys flies her, alongside Lord Valeryon and Seasmoke, toward King's Landing to attend the royal wedding. It will be fascinating to see how this speedy, serpentine beast manages herself in any upcoming battles and if Rhaenys uses her dragon to claim the throne she was once denied.
These are just a few of House Targaryen's impressive dragon arsenal in season one of House of the Dragon. As the series continues to unfold and future seasons come to fruition, the skies will continue to fill up with these reptilian monsters. Though it could potentially spell disaster for House Targaryen as the sole ruler of Westeros, a potential impending civil war over the succession of King Viserys could mean that a war is fought with dragons on both sides, which will undoubtedly lead to epic firefights.